Chagstock Festival, the not-for-profit Dartmoor festival, has named the theme of this year’s event. And there’s a very personal and fascinating story behind it. First over to organiser Si Ford, then there’s an overview for Chagstock 2017
Organiser Si Ford writes,
This year, Chagstock will be dedicated to the memory of my dear mother who passed away just before Christmas. It was after all in her back garden that the very first private Chagstock took place back in 2003.
Her maiden name was Monypenny (the derivation of which is a long interesting story of its own), and during the 2nd World War she joined the WRNS and worked at a satellite branch of Bletchley Park working the code breaking machines. Having signed the Official Secrets Act at the time, she was unable even to tell my father what she had been doing until the 1970s. So in a way she was the original Miss Monypenny.
So with all this in mind, and in her honour, we are going for a theme of Spies & Dolls. We will also be formally re-naming the beer tent will Miss Monypennys!
Fancy dress will be encouraged but does not necessarily have to be 007 Bond related there are plenty of other options! We will be formalising the fancy dress competition this year and will publicise parade and judging times in due course.
Chagstock 2017 is headlined by The Shires and Soul II Soul (for videos and links, pop over to our earlier coverage)
Hailing from the Home Counties, The Shires made music history by becoming the first UK country act to score a Top 10 album. The duo are at the forefront of the British country movement and the runaway success of their recently released album My Universe has made them not just the fastest selling UK country artist ever, but one of the biggest-selling breakthrough UK acts of any genre in recent years. Ben and Crissie recently won an international CMA Award, have had 5 singles A-listed by Radio 2 and appeared on a string of TV shows including Graham Norton, BBC Music Awards and Children in Need Rocks.
Soul II Soul need little introduction. Best known for timeless classics Back To Life and breakthrough smash hit Keep On Movin, theyve sold over 10 million albums, performed live in over 20 countries, and headlined some of the most famous venues in the world. Theyve been recognised throughout their 29-year career, winning 2 Grammies and being nominated for 5 Brits.
Also confirmed are the two Marquee stage headliners; Skinny Lister and Slamboree.
Skinny Lister are a high energy six-piece British folk band signed to cult label Xtra Mile. Over their 7 year career they have released three critically acclaimed albums, the most recent of which, The Devil, the Heart, and the Fight was awarded 5/5 by The Independent. Skinny Listers infamous live show has blown away audiences on both sides of the Atlantic; in the UK they have performed at virtually every major festival, including Glastonbury, and Isle Of Wight, and just some of their USA highlights including joining the Vans Warped Tour and appearances at both SXSW and Coachella.
Slamboree are fast becoming one of the most sought after bands on the scene. Almost certainly the worlds first Pyro-Circus Rave Massive act, they are more than just a collection of musicians. Fusing high octane, fire-breathing circus performance with music that can be best described as traditional Balkan folk crossed with full on wobbly bassline rave, they are not to be missed!
Hailing from Bangalore in Southern India, Raghu Dixit‘s music is a seamless weaving of Indian ethnic folk, Sufi and classical with other traditional and contemporary influences from across the globe. His unique songwriting and vocal delivery have earned him a treasured place in the both the traditional and contemporary Folk & World music scenes. Raghu is also a hugely successful film composer, having scored more than 20 movies in five different languages.
Led by indefatigable south-Londoner Barry Ashworth, The Dub Pistols have lived every rock n roll cliché more vividly than almost any other British band. Theyve burned through record labels, band members, and hundreds of thousands of pounds with their heroic devotion to hedonism. Yet they have worked with heroes like The Specials, Busta Rhymes, Madness and Gregory Isaacs and in this, their 20th Anniversary year, The Dub Pistols are busier than ever.
Mr Tea & The Minions are, in their own words On a mission to spread fun, cheekiness and crazy dancing to audiences everywhere. With their brand of Gypsy flavoured party music sure to put a smile on your face and your knees up in the air, they are sure to fit right in at Chagstock!
Also confirmed is Billy Rowan, aka The Undercover Hippy whos unconventional take on the singer/songwriter genre brings together acoustic guitar, soulful vocals, infectious reggae rhythms, and as a former Drum N Bass impresario – the lyrical delivery of a skilled MC.
Taking place on Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd July, Chagstock will once again showcase the very finest music, food and entertainment from the Westcountry and beyond.
Set in 70 acres of farmland on the edge of Dartmoor, Chagstock is renowned for its stunning location, diverse line-up of artists and non-corporate, family friendly atmosphere. Chagstock showcases the very best music, food and entertainment that the Westcountry and the UK have to offer. Starting life as a small private party, Chagstock has now grown into a major fixture on the Westcountry festival circuit, selling out all 5,000 tickets for the last four years in succession.
Chagstock Festival is a Not For Profit Organisation, proud to support Devon Air Ambulance Trust and WaterAid.
WEEKEND CAMPING TICKETS
£90 (Adults), £65 (Under 18s)
Under 12s are free (ticket is still required).
A Family Ticket for 2 Adults & 2 Under 18s is £270.
All weekend tickets include 2 nights of camping and car parking.
Day tickets to be released soon
Tickets are available from http://www.chagstock.info/buy-tickets
(from a press release)
- 2 Devon restaurants gain AA Rosettes - March 2, 2022
- A thoughtful programme of Christmas events in Plymouth - December 8, 2021
- Broken promises, planting trees and quality marks - September 10, 2021
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